Suma Capital has successfully closed its first international deal by acquiring 100% of CH4T, a company based in Verona (Italy) specialized in the management of biomethane plants for energy use, as reported on a Suma Capital press release.

Through this transaction, Suma Capital advances its growth strategy in international markets. After opening its first international office in Paris in 2023, and hiring Jérôme Petitjean as its first international partner, the firm is now focusing on Italy, where it expects to continue to grow in the field of sustainable infrastructures.

CH4T is a company composed of professionals with more than 20 years of experience in the energy and agriculture sector in Italy and focuses on the acquisition and transformation of biogas plants into biomethane plants. It currently has 10 plants in advanced stage of negotiation in Northern Italy and plans to complete the acquisition of the first 3 plants in the first weeks of this year, representing an initial investment of close to €15 million.

CH4T‘s medium-term goal is to acquire between 10 and 15 biogas plants, transforming them into biomethane plants. The company will take advantage of the 2022 Royal Decree, which allocates 4.5 billion for the promotion of biomethane as a substitute energy for fossil natural gas, in line with the Italian government’s targets of reaching 2.3bcm by 2026, seven times the current production.

This strategy positions CH4T as a key player in the transition to renewable energies, contributing significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, fostering the local economy, and strengthening the agricultural sector through the valorization of agricultural waste.

Enrique Tombas, chairman and founding partner of Suma Capital, said: “We are proud to announce our first international investment, marking a significant milestone in Suma Capital’s trajectory. This transaction not only represents a strategic step towards the internationalization of our firm, but also underscores our continued commitment to investments that generate a positive impact on environmental sustainability and local economic development. The acquisition of CH4T is further testimony to our belief in transforming the energy landscape toward more sustainable sources. This step also reflects our full confidence in CH4T’s exceptional team and in the potential of the Italian market.”

The investment in CH4T is a milestone for Suma Capital, representing the first international operation of the €300 million SC Climate Impact Fund III. Throughout 2023, the same vehicle has also invested in other projects in Spain, such as Adec Global (slag valorization and aggregates treatment), Zamora Eco Energías (renewable heat networks) or Biometano Montes de Toledo (biomethane and compost production).

This first international investment of the fund in Italy in a sector as specific as biomethane reflects the deep experience of the Suma Capital team and its commitment to initiatives that not only generate solid financial returns, but also have a positive impact on environmental sustainability and local economic development.